Farmhouses and farm buildings

Farmhouses are often in isolated locations and can be vulnerable to crime if not properly secured.

Ensure that doors are kept locked – even when you are on the premises
Fit locks to all ground floor windows
Make sure doors and windows are well maintained and in a good state of repair
Fit mortise deadlocks that comply with the British Standards to all external doors and reinforce with locking bolts
Investing in timers that turn lights on and off inside the house if you go out at night and consider installing security lighting outside
Consider fitting an alarm
For valuable possessions, consider installing a safe

Farm buildings are used to store valuable equipment, tools and farm supplies and, when left insecure, are inviting to thieves.

Ensure that your valuable equipment is stored in a secure building behind a strong locked door, or use a metal cage and keep it locked when unattended
Keep doors to farm buildings locked at all times when not in use – even if you are only away for a short while
If equipment is in a barn or rick yard, secure it with gates, an alarm or security beams
Use locks that comply with the British Standards, good quality locking bars and high security padlocks
For buildings with sliding or double doors, think about having additional locking devices on the inside. This will stop a thief, who has managed to gain access from the roof or a window, from being able to remove large or heavy equipment through the exit
Consider installing security lighting and CCTV as both are a deterrent and a way of identifying a person, should they gain access to your property
Windows can be an open invitation to thieves – close them or protect them with metal bars or grilles
For buildings that can’t be secured fully, either due to animals being inside or due to the building being in use for the majority of the day, consider installing a lockable inner room or steel cage within the building
Improve security for your diesel and fertiliser
Keep an inventory, recording any items of value with a detailed description, manufacturer’s name, and serial numbers where applicable. We recommend doing a full inventory check on at least a yearly basis, so that you can ensure all of your records are accurate and up to date

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